Verbena bonariensis Lollipop

The Buenos Aires Verbena 'Lollipop' is a compact version of the Verbena bonariensis appreciated for its endless flowering of lavender color animated by the incessant flight of multicolored butterflies. Shorter but just as generous as its big sister, 'Lollipop' beautifully animates and garden for weeks without requiring water or maintenance. It is perfect in natural, romantic or country-style settings, as well as in a pretty pot on the terrace. Moderately hardy and not very long-lived, the Buenos Aires verbena can self-sow spontaneously in the garden.

The Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop' is a horticultural selection that is shorter than the typical variety, forming a clump of 60 cm (24in) in all directions when in flower. The typical species is a plant of the verbenaceae family native to South America, widespread from Brazil to Argentina. The basal leaves of this Lollipop variety, green, elongated, with toothed edges, measuring 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5in) long, are more or less evergreen depending on the winter cold. In May-June, vigorous square stems, rough in texture, shoot up towards the sky, branching out towards the top. They bear numerous rounded inflorescences, in clusters measuring 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, composed of numerous tiny, tubular, fragrant flowers in shades of mauve with purple bracts. They attract many pollinating insects. Flowering continues until October, with a period of rest in July if drought is too intense. In very well-drained soil, this plant can withstand brief frosts of around -12°C (10.4°F). Its lifespan is rather short, but it produces many seeds that germinate easily in light soil. Plants grown from seed are not necessarily identical to the mother plant.

The 'Lollipop' verbena is well suited for container cultivation or for border planting. Like a light curtain, it filters perspectives and provides structure to flower beds. It can also be used with pleasure to lighten a bed of peonies and ground cover roses. You can also place it at the front of a tall border, with low grasses or medium-sized grasses, shrubby salvias or perennials, gauras... This nectar plant attracts butterflies and is ideal for cottage gardens, and its flowers make lovely bouquets.